Flood cell apparatus

ABSTRACT

A flood cell apparatus for conveying and processing materials, e.g. for washing, conveying, and processing vegetables and the like, comprises an inclined tank having a rounded bottom and a closed first or inlet end. The second or outlet end of the tank is open and upraised with respect to the first end for defining a flood level over which liquid introduced into the tank leaves the tank. Plural adjustable headers provided with nozzles direct streams of water under pressure from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end. Vegetables or the like are introduced into the tank and are impelled toward the outlet end while the turbulence of water cleans the vegetables. Waste material moves down the tank toward the inlet end where a waste outlet valve is provided. Successive tanks may be employed for heating and cooling operations or the like.

United States Patent Weisser [s41 FLOOD CELL APPARATUS [72] Inventor:Lee Weisser, 2360 NW. 7th Place,

Gresham, Oreg. 97030 [22] Filed: April 7, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 26,285

[52] US. Cl. ..134/68, 134/108, 134/111,

209/156, 209/173 [51] Int. Cl. ..B08b 3/02 [58] Field of Search..l34/60, 61, 65, 67, 68, 133; 15/3.14, 3.15; 209/156, 173, 461; 99/239,

l-Iynes ..134/61 [15] 3,683,945 51 Aug. 15, 1972 FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 858,742 3/1940 France ..209/173 468,538 l/l952 Italy..209/173 1,268,560 5/1968 Germany 15/3. 14

Primary Examiner-Daniel Blum Attorney--Buckhom, Blore, Klarquist andSparkman 57 ABSTRACT A flood cell apparatus for conveying and processingmaterials, eg for washing, conveying, and processing vegetables and thelike, comprises an inclined tank having a rounded bottom and a closedfirst or inlet end. The second or outlet end of the tank is open andupraised with respect to the first end for defining a flood level overwhich liquid introduced into the tank leaves the tank. Plural adjustableheaders provided with nozzles direct streams of water under pressurefrom the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end. Vegetables or thelike are introduced into the tank and are impelled toward the outlet endwhile the turbulence of water cleans the vegetables. Waste materialmoves down the tank toward the inlet end where a waste outlet valve isprovided. Successive tanks may be employed for heating and coolingoperations or the like.

8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 15, 1972 3,683,945

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG! 26 28 i wi-Email LEE WEISS ER INVENTOR BUCKHORN,BLORE, KLARQUIST & SPARKMAN ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 15, 1972 2Sheets-Sheet 2 LEE WEISSER INVENTOR BUCKHORN, BLORE, KLARQUIST &SPARKMAN ATTORNEYS stoop CELL APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONApparatus for washing vegetables preparatory to packing the same hasbeen difficult to maintain, clean, and operate. A typical vegetablewasher comprises a fairly large rectangular tank for containing thewashing liquid, e.g. water, into which the vegetables are deposited. Aconveyor extends down into the tank for removing the vegetablestherefrom. The present invention avoids the utilization of conveyingmeans under the level of the washing liquid and provides a substantiallycontinuous automatic clean-out. Controlled flow of vegetable movementand separation are achieved as well as numerous other advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a floodcell apparatus is provided comprising an elongated tank having an inletend and an outlet end, wherein said tank is adapted to receivematerials, e.g. food items and the like, for conveying and processing.The tank is inclined upwardly from a lower level at the inlet end of thetank to a higher level toward the outlet end of the tank, with theoutlet end defining an overflow level of reduced cross section. Meansprovide a stream of liquid under pressure directed from the inlet end ofthe tank toward the outlet end, producing a liquid level over theaforementioned overflow level. Materials of a given specific gravitydeposited into the tank are impelled by the force of the liquid over theoutlet end. During movement, these materials, in the case of food items,are turbulently washed. Heavier materials, such as waste and dirt,remain in the inclined tank where such materials may be removedproximate the lower inlet end thereof.

With apparatus according to the present invention, a selected flow ofmaterials is controlled by adjustment of the liquid flow and pressure,and by adjustment of the angular disposition of the tank, in relation tothe specific gravity of the materials processed. Separation and washingcan be adapted to materials of different specific gravities.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide animproved apparatus for washing food articles, which apparatus avoidsimmersed conveyor means and the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedapparatus for washing food items, wherein controlled flow is achieved,and evacuation of waste materials is facilitated.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedapparatus for controlling the separa tion of materials.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedapparatus for separating and/or washing materials, wherein saidapparatus is low in cost, having few moving parts, and is easilymaintained.

The subject matter which I regard as my invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of thisspecification. The invention, however, both as to organization andmethod of operation, together with further advantages and objectsthereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings whereinlike reference characters refer to like elements.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of flood cellapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the FIG. I flood cell apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken at 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view taken at 4-4 inFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative flood cell apparatus inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the FIG. 5 apparatus; and

FIG. 7 is a partial side view, partially in cross section of yet anotherflood cell apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, illustrating afirst flood cell apparatus according to the present invention, suchapparatus includes two individual flood cells indicated generally at 10and 12, wherein flood cell 10 provides the material input to flood cell12. Referring particularly to flood cell 10, this cell comprises anelongated tank 14 having an inlet end 16 and an outlet end 18. The tankis suitably formed of fourteen to sixteen gauge sheet steel. The bottom20 of said tank is inclined upwardly from a lower level at the inlet endto a higher level at the outlet end such that heavier material wouldhave a natural tendency to move downwardly to the left. As can be seenin FIG. 3, the flood cell has a width decreasing toward the bottom ofthe tank, whereby a reduced cross section liquid stream at the outletend of the tank is defined. This reduction in stream cross section canalternatively be achieved by the inclination of the tank even withoutthe decreasing tank width.

However, the tank is advantageously trough-shaped with the bottom 20 ofthe tank having a substantially semicircular configuration, such thatthe width of the tank decreases from top to bottom. A tank in a giveninstance was 36 inches wide with the radius of the bottom being 18inches. The straight sides above the curved bottom rose another 18inches. The inlet end 16 of the tank trough is closed, while outlet end18 is open for defining the tank liquid outlet. The tank bottomcenterline is lower at the outlet end than the highest point of inletend 16, whereby the overflow of liquid or the flood level will occur atflood point 22 in FIG. 1. The tank 14 is pivotally supported at 25between upright members of frame 24 at the inlet end of the tank, whilethe outlet end of the tank is suspended from horizontal beam 26 of frame28 with turnbuckle 30. Thus, the inclination of tank 14 is easilyadjusted. In a particular constructed embodiment comprising a tank 8feet long, the angle of inclination averaged 13 to 15. Larger tanks maybe constructed having a length of 15 to 20 feet or longer, in which casethe angle of inclination will tend to be smaller. A quiescent liquidlevel in tank 14 is illustrated at 32. It is seen this level is evenwith overflow level flood point 22. However, during usual operation, arapid flow of liquid is provided such that the flow of liquid risesabove level 32 causing a flow above flood point 22. As a consequence ofthe decreasing cross-sectional area of liquid in the tank, as the liquidapproaches closer to the outlet end, the flow velocity of the liquidincreases toward the outlet end. Although a turnbuckle is employed, itis apparent that an adjustable jack or jacks can be utilized under theoutlet end of the tank if so desired for adjusting tank angle.

Liquid is supplied in the flood cell through a first or upper header 34and a second or lower header 36. Header 34 is provided with a pluralityof exit nozzles 38 while header 36 is similarly provided with aplurality of exit nozzles 40, in each case directed downstream towardthe outlet end of the flood cell. Header 34 is supported from downwardlyextending pipe 42 which in turn is supported by cross member 44 of frame24. Header 36 is attached to a downwardly extending pipe 46 supportedfrom the same cross member. Both pipes 42 and 46 are rotatable withrespect to cross member 44, and headers 34 and 36 are also rotatableabout the horizontal axes of pipe couplings 50 and 52, respectively.Handles 54 and 56, joined to either end of the headers and extending'above liquid level 32, may be employed for manipulating the headers anddirecting the flow of liquid from nozzles 38 and 40. Also, nozzles 38and 40 are desirably individually adjustable. By backward and forwardmovement of handles 54 and 56, the flow of liquid from nozzles 38 and 40can be adjusted either predominately upwardly toward liquid surface 32or predominately downwardly toward tank bottom 20. Also, since theheaders are rotatable about the axes of pipes 42 and 46, the lateraldirection of liquid flow is easily controllable. In the embodiment,headers 34 and 36 are both illustrated as disposed below the liquidlevel 32, but it is understood that in a given instance, it may bedesired to position header 34, for example, above liquid level 32.Header 36, near the bottom of the tank, is conveniently substantiallysemicircular in configuration to match tank bottom 20.

Pipes 42 and 46 are provided with connections 58 and 60 for deliveringliquid from pump 62. The liquid will generally be water, and it isdelivered under a pressure of or pounds or greater through nozzles 38and 40. The flow of water may be between about 200 and 800 gallons perminute. As hereinbefore indicated, this flow will cause the liquid levelto raise above level 32 and produce appreciable turbulence.

Material to be separated is deposited in the flood cell from beltconveyor 64. Typically, this material comprises vegetables such ascauliflower, broccoli, beans,.

tomatoes, or the like. The vegetables are washed in the flood cellaccording to the present invention. The angle of the flood cell isadjusted by means of turnbuckle 30, and the water pressure is adjustedby controlling pump 62, with means not shown, so that material of agiven specific gravity will be impelled over the outlet end of the floodcell, i.e. over flood point 22. in the turbulent stream, the vegetablesare subjected to a vigorous washing action, and may tend to drop backdown along the bottom 20 of the flood cell, but will in due course beimpelled over flood point 22. A scrubbing action tends to take placealong the tank bottom as materials pass toward the outlet end of thetank. Dirt and unwanted materials will move downwardly to the left alongbottom 20. For the purpose of removing such materials, an evacuationchamber valve 66 is provided. At the lower inlet portion of the tank, alower indentation or funnel portion 69 is located into which dirt,foreign articles and the like descend along tank bottom 20. Funnelportion 69 terminates in evacuation chamber valve 66 which comprises aplurality of vanes 68 attached to hub rotatable on shaft 72. Pairs ofthese vanes are angularly spaced to match the lower extremity of funnelportion 69. On either side of the lower opening of funnel portion 69 aredisposed sealing skirts 74. It will be seen that hub 70 carrying vanes68 can be rotated without producing a constant flow of liquid throughvalve 66. The chamber defined between two vanes is filled, and then whenhub 70 is rotated, the chamber defined between these two vanes is closedby a sealing skirt 74. Then, upon further rotation of hub 70, thecontents of such chamber are emptied. A conveyor 67 may be provided forremoving waste. The evacuation chamber valve can be periodically rotatedthrough the angular difference corresponding to the angular differencebetween two vanes for providing clean-out. Another substantially similarvalve 78 may be located at the lower extremity of a funnel-shapeddepression 80 positioned half way along the flood cell if so desired,this construction being illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. 1. Thisconfiguration may be used for providing additional separation of itemshaving intermediate specific gravities.

Material impelled over flood point 22 is deposited upon outlet conveyor82 which is a sieve-type belt conveyor comprising a continuous mesh beltfor moving the material upwardly and over the inlet end 16' of floodcell 12. The liquid from flood cell 10 passes through this conveyor intorecirculation tank 84 comprising a rectangular tank within which islocated tubing 86 for altering the temperature of the liquid in tank 84.For instance, hot water or steam is passedwithin tubing 86 for raisingthe temperature of liquid in the tank to an appropriate level forblanching the vegetables passing through flood cell 10. The liquidpasses out of tank 84 through pipe 88 to pump 62 by means of which it isreturned under pressure to flood cell 10 via headers 34 and 36.

Flood cell 12, in this instance, is substantially identical to floodcell 10, but is offset laterally, with the outlet conveyor 82 from floodcell it providing the input of the materials of flood cell 12. Floodcell 12 accomplishes additional washing, separation, and treatment ofthe materials. However, flood cell 32 may perform a partially differentfunction. Assuming flood cell Ml is utilized for washing and blanchingthe vegetables, flood cell 12 may then be employed for lowering thetemperature of the vegetables, as well as for additional washingthereof. The liquid in flood cell 12 may even comprise a refrigerant, ofa type harmless to human beings, by means of which vegetables are atleast partially frozen. It is noted the means for accomplishing liquidflow in flood cell 12 are completely separate from the liquid circuitfor flood cell 10, with coils 86' in tank 84' suitably functioning tolower the temperature of the liquid passing through tank 84' into cell12. However, substantially similar elements in the case of flood cellunit 12 are referred to by primed reference numerals, and accomplishsubstantially similar mechanical functions. Sieve conveyor 82' may leadto yet another flood cell, or may convey the materials passing overflood point 22' to a waiting receptacle.

Although a pair of flood cells are illustrated in the embodiment ofFIGS. 11 through 4, it will be readily appreciated that only one floodcell, or alternatively, a greater number than two may be employedaccording to the purposes of the user. Obviously, greater washing actioncan be accomplished with more than one flood cell, e.g. when theparticular product or vegetable is difficult to clean. However, forother products, one flood cell may be sufficient.

It is important to note that the incline of the tank togetherwith thepressure of the liquid from headers 34 and 356 should be adjusted inaccordance with the particular material inasmuch as different materialsexhibit different specific'gravities. it is desired to convey the endproduct over flood point 22 while retaining unwanted items within thetank for clean-out via valve 66. It is also frequently desired that theend product remain in the turbulent liquid within the tank for a shortperiod of time in order that the turbulent action may be efficient.Adjustments of incline and liquid pressure are accomplished to suit theparticular results of controlled flow and controlled separation desiredin a given case. The curvature of the bottom 2th of the tank alsoinfluences the separation action of the flood cell, but this factor willnormally be constant. The pressure and angle of inclination iscorrelated with a given radius of tank bottom to provide the desiredeffect. As hereinbefore mentioned, the tank bottom curvature results ina decreased stream width toward the outlet end of the tank as can beseen in the plan view of FIG. 2, and therefore in a relatively highervelocity of liquid flow toward flood point 22. This higher velocityurges materials within the tank over flood point 22 as they move orcirculate in the direction thereof, as long as their specific gravity isnot greater than some desired value. As can be seen, conveying isaccomplished within the tank without moving parts inside such tank.

in some instances, the nozzles 38 are turned angularly in a firstdirection, while nozzles 40 are turned angularly in a second direction.Thus, nozzles 38 may be aimed downstream but turned somewhat toward theleft-hand side of the tank while nozzles dtl are aimed downstream butsomewhat more toward the right-hand side of the tank. As a result, acounter whirlpool action may take place in the tank for enhancing theturbulence therein. Various patterns of flow are possible throughadjustment of the headers and the nozzles carried thereby. A controlledturbulence is achieved by this adjustment and the other adjustmentsdescribed above.

In addition to the sprays of liquid from headers 34 and 36, it issometimes desirable to provide an additional spray or sprays of liquidalong and over the top of the tank, e.g. to enhance turbulence of theliquid. For this purpose, an additional adjustable header 9d may belocated along the tank and provided with a plurality of nozzles directeddownstream towards the outlet end of the tank. The additional spraycauses additional turbulence and washing action. The header is, ofcourse, provided with adjustable nozzles.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6 wherein flood cells i0 and 12, substantially similar to floodcells 10 and i2 as hereinbefore described, are disposed in line ratherthan offset with respect to one another. Moreover, rather than employingintermediate conveying means between the flood cells, the outlet end offlood cell 10' is disposed over the inlet end of flood cell 12' and thesame liquid passes through both cells. That is, the liquid enteringflood cell it) at headers 34 and 36 subsequently leaves the outlet end18 of flood cell 12' over flood point 22', passing through sieveconveyor we and into a tank 94. Liquid leaves tank 94 by way of pipe 96through which it is returned to pump 92 delivering such liquid underpressure to headers 34 and as.

Materials are introduced into flood cell 10' of FIG. 5 via chute 91 andare subjected to turbulent washing action in each flood cell beforefinally passing on to conveyor E00 by means of which such materials aredelivered to a waiting receptacle. Flood cells 10' and T2 are providedwith evacuation valves 66 and 66', respectively, for removing undesiredmaterials having greater specific gravity. Other component partsassociated with the flood cells operate substantially similarly to thosehereinbefore described in connection with flood cells 10 and 12, and arereferred to employing the same reference numerals.

A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in H6. 7wherein flood cells 10' and 112' are also disposed in line. Here, theliquid circuits for two flood cells are separated. A perforated chute102 extends from flood point 22 on flood cell it) to the top of inletend 106 of flood cell 12'. The liquid from flood cell lit) flows throughthe perforations in chute 102 into a tank 104 which may be provided withinternal coils or the like (not shown) for changing the temperature ofthe liquid. This liquid is then transferred to the inlet pump for floodcell Mi via pipe 88 as hereinbefore described in connection with theembodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4.

The inlet end 106 of flood cell 12 is disposed substantially vertically,and may coincide with one wall of tank MM, thereby avoiding undesiredspillage of liquid from flood cell MD into flood cell 12'. Headers 108and embodiments. The remaining elements of the H6. 7

apparatus, in part referred to by similar reference numerals, aresubstantially similar to those hereinbefore described for a pair offlood cells.

The arrangement of H6. 7 avoids a mechanical conveyor between floodcells, thereby avoiding moving mechanical components substantiallyaltogether, while maintaining a separate fluid circuit for each floodcell for successive blanching and cooling operations or the like. Also,the linear arrangement of the flood cells in FIG. 7 tends to be lessspace consuming than the offset configuration illustrated for theembodiment of FIGS 1 through 4. The use of the perforate conveyor of theearlier embodiment does, however, have the relative advantage ofseparating more foreign matter from the desired materials as theconveyor moves, before deposition of such materials in thesecond floodcell.

While the washing, conveying, and processing of vegetables has beendescribed as a particular example of the operation of the flood cellapparatus according to the present invention, such apparatus can be usedfor conveying, separating, washing, or processing other materials ofdiffering specific gravities. Other uses will occur to those skilled inthe art.

While I have shown and described preferred embodi ments of my invention,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes andmodifications may be made without departing from my invention in itsbroader aspects. I therefore intend the appended claims to cover allsuch changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

I claim:

1. A flood cell apparatus comprising:

a tank having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein said tank isadapted to receive materials proximate said inlet end for conveying andprocessing and for discharge thereof proximate said outlet end, saidoutlet end defining the overflow level of said tank,

means for positioning said tank at a predetermined angle includingadjustable means for supporting the outlet end of said tank so that theangular disposition of said tank may be adjusted,

the bottom of said tank being inclined upwardly from a lower level atthe inlet end of said tank to a higher level toward the outlet end ofsaid tank, and said tank having a width decreasing from the top thereoftoward the bottom of said tank to define a reduced cross section of saidtank below a given level proximate said overflow level,

and means for providing a stream of liquid under pressure from thedirection of the inlet end of said tank generally toward the outlet endof said tank and providing sufficient liquid for producing a flow ofliquid in said tank over said overflow level, the velocity of liquidflow increasing along said tank toward said outlet end as a consequenceof said reduced cross section thereof,

said stream of liquid forcing materials under a first specific gravityover said outlet end in accordance with the inclination of the bottom ofsaid tank and the pressure of said stream of liquid, while materials ofpredetermined greater specific gravity are impeded by the inclinedbottom of said tank and tend to move toward the inlet end thereof,

said tank having evacuation means at its lower inlet end for receivingsaid materials of predetermined greater specific gravity.

2. A flood cell apparatus comprising:

a tank having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein said tank isadapted to receive materials proximate said inlet end for conveying andprocessing and for discharge thereof proximate said outlet end, saidoutlet end defining the overflow level of said tank,

the bottom of said tank being inclined upwardly from a lower level atthe inlet end of said tank to a higher level toward the outlet end ofsaid tank, and said tank having a width decreasing from the top thereoftoward the bottom of said tank to define a reduced cross section of saidtank below a given level proximate said overflow level,

means for providing a stream of liquid under pressure from the directionof the inlet end of said tank generally toward the outlet end of saidtank and providing sufficient liquid for producing a flow of liquid insaid tank over said overflow level, the velocity of liquid flowincreasing along said tank toward said outlet end as a consequence ofsaid reduced cross section thereof,

said stream of liquid forcing materials under a first specific gravityover said outlet end in accordance with the inclination of the bottom ofsaid tank and the pressure of said stream of liquid, while materials ofpredetermined greater specific gravity are impeded by the inclinedbottom of said tank and tend to move toward the inlet end thereof,

said tank having evacuation means at its lower inlet end for receivingsaid materials of predetermined greater specific gravity,

and an additional tank of a substantially similar nature having itsinlet end positioned for receiving materials forced over the outlet endof said first tank for additionally conveying and processing same.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first mentioned tankand the additional tank are substantially in line, with the materialsand liquid from the first mentioned tank flowing directly into thesecond mentioned tank.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said tanks are spaced witha perforated chute disposed between the outlet end of said firstmentioned tank and the inlet end of the additional tank for conveyingdownwardly into the second mentioned tank materials forced over theoutlet end of the first mentioned tank, and means under said chute forcollecting the liquid from said first mentioned tank.

5. A flood cell apparatus comprising:

an elongated tank having a trough-shaped curved bottom such that thewidth of said tank decreases toward the centerline of said bottom, saidtank having a closed inlet end and an open outlet end, adjustable meansfor positioning said tank at a predetermined angle so that the openoutlet end of said tank is upraised with respect to the closed inlet endthereof, but with the outlet end at its lower extremity being no higherthan the closed inlet end to define an overflow outlet of said tank atsaid outlet end, header means for providing a stream of liquid underpressure directed within said tank toward said outlet end and away fromsaid inlet end such that materials introduced in said tank are impelledby the flow of liquid over the outlet end of said tank according to thespecific gravity of said materials, the pressure of said liquid, theinclination of said tank, and the curvature of the bottom of said tank,

and evacuation means at the lower portion of the tank proximate theinlet end of said tank for removing materials which are not forced oversaid outlet end.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said evacuation meanscomprises a rotatable evacuation chamber valve. I

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said tank is provided witha depression therealong between said inlet and said outlet end, andfurther including an additional evacuation means communicating with saiddepression.

8. A flood cell apparatus comprising:

a tank having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein said tank isadapted to receive materials proximate said inlet end for conveying andprocessing and for said stream of liquid forcing materials under a firstdischarge thereof proximate said outlet end, said specific gravity oversaid outlet end in accordance outlet end defining the overflow level ofsaid tank, with the inclination of the bottom of said tank and thebottom of said tank being inclined upwardly from the pressure of saidstream of liquid, while materia lower level at the inlet end of saidtank to a 5 8 8 Of predetermined greater specific gravity are higherlevel toward the outlet end of said tank to impe by he in lin d bottom fi nk and define a reduced cross section of said tank below a tend tomove toward the inlet and thel'efif, given level proximate said overflowlevel, the apparatus being further provided with an addiand means f rvidi a stream f li id under tional tank of a substantially similarnature having pressure from the direction of the inlet end of said itsinlet end Positional for receiving materials tank generally toward theoutl end of said tank forced over the outlet end of said first tank foradand providing sufficient liquid for producing a flow ditioflauyconveying *f Processing Same, and of liquid in said tank over saidoverflow level, the l eluding upwardly mclmed y? means velocity ofliquid flow increasing along Said tank between the outlet end of thefirst mentioned tank toward said outlet end as a consequence of said audthe Inlet end of Sam addmonaltank reduced cross section thereof,

1. A flood cell apparatus comprising: a tank having an inlet end and anoutlet end, wherein said tank is adapted to receive materials proximatesaid inlet end for conveying and processing and for discharge thereofproximate said outlet end, said outlet end defining the overflow levelof said tank, means for positioning said tank at a predetermined angleincluding adjustable means for supporting the outlet end of said tank sothat the angular disposition of said tank may be adjusted, the bottom ofsaid tank being inclined upwardly from a lower level at the inlet end ofsaid tank to a higher level toward the outlet end of said tank, and saidtank having a width decreasing from the top thereof toward the bottom ofsaid tank to define a reduced cross section of said tank below a givenlevel proximate said overflow level, and means for providing a stream ofliquid under pressure from the direction of the inlet end of said tankgenerally toward the outlet end of said tank and providing sufficientliquid for producing a flow of liquid in said tank over said overflowlevel, the velocity of liquid flow increasing along said tank towardsaid outlet end as a consequence of said reduced cross section thereof,said stream of liquid forcing materials under a first specific gravityover said outlet end in accordance with the inclination of the bottom ofsaid tank and the pressure of said stream of liquid, while materials ofpredetermined greater spEcific gravity are impeded by the inclinedbottom of said tank and tend to move toward the inlet end thereof, saidtank having evacuation means at its lower inlet end for receiving saidmaterials of predetermined greater specific gravity.
 2. A flood cellapparatus comprising: a tank having an inlet end and an outlet end,wherein said tank is adapted to receive materials proximate said inletend for conveying and processing and for discharge thereof proximatesaid outlet end, said outlet end defining the overflow level of saidtank, the bottom of said tank being inclined upwardly from a lower levelat the inlet end of said tank to a higher level toward the outlet end ofsaid tank, and said tank having a width decreasing from the top thereoftoward the bottom of said tank to define a reduced cross section of saidtank below a given level proximate said overflow level, means forproviding a stream of liquid under pressure from the direction of theinlet end of said tank generally toward the outlet end of said tank andproviding sufficient liquid for producing a flow of liquid in said tankover said overflow level, the velocity of liquid flow increasing alongsaid tank toward said outlet end as a consequence of said reduced crosssection thereof, said stream of liquid forcing materials under a firstspecific gravity over said outlet end in accordance with the inclinationof the bottom of said tank and the pressure of said stream of liquid,while materials of predetermined greater specific gravity are impeded bythe inclined bottom of said tank and tend to move toward the inlet endthereof, said tank having evacuation means at its lower inlet end forreceiving said materials of predetermined greater specific gravity, andan additional tank of a substantially similar nature having its inletend positioned for receiving materials forced over the outlet end ofsaid first tank for additionally conveying and processing same.
 3. Theapparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first mentioned tank and theadditional tank are substantially in line, with the materials and liquidfrom the first mentioned tank flowing directly into the second mentionedtank.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said tanks arespaced with a perforated chute disposed between the outlet end of saidfirst mentioned tank and the inlet end of the additional tank forconveying downwardly into the second mentioned tank materials forcedover the outlet end of the first mentioned tank, and means under saidchute for collecting the liquid from said first mentioned tank.
 5. Aflood cell apparatus comprising: an elongated tank having atrough-shaped curved bottom such that the width of said tank decreasestoward the centerline of said bottom, said tank having a closed inletend and an open outlet end, adjustable means for positioning said tankat a predetermined angle so that the open outlet end of said tank isupraised with respect to the closed inlet end thereof, but with theoutlet end at its lower extremity being no higher than the closed inletend to define an overflow outlet of said tank at said outlet end, headermeans for providing a stream of liquid under pressure directed withinsaid tank toward said outlet end and away from said inlet end such thatmaterials introduced in said tank are impelled by the flow of liquidover the outlet end of said tank according to the specific gravity ofsaid materials, the pressure of said liquid, the inclination of saidtank, and the curvature of the bottom of said tank, and evacuation meansat the lower portion of the tank proximate the inlet end of said tankfor removing materials which are not forced over said outlet end.
 6. Theapparatus according to claim 5 wherein said evacuation means comprises arotatable evacuation chamber valve.
 7. The apparatus according to claim5 wherein said tank is provided with a depression therealong betweensaid inlet and said outlet end, and further including an additionalevAcuation means communicating with said depression.
 8. A flood cellapparatus comprising: a tank having an inlet end and an outlet end,wherein said tank is adapted to receive materials proximate said inletend for conveying and processing and for discharge thereof proximatesaid outlet end, said outlet end defining the overflow level of saidtank, the bottom of said tank being inclined upwardly from a lower levelat the inlet end of said tank to a higher level toward the outlet end ofsaid tank to define a reduced cross section of said tank below a givenlevel proximate said overflow level, and means for providing a stream ofliquid under pressure from the direction of the inlet end of said tankgenerally toward the outlet end of said tank and providing sufficientliquid for producing a flow of liquid in said tank over said overflowlevel, the velocity of liquid flow increasing along said tank towardsaid outlet end as a consequence of said reduced cross section thereof,said stream of liquid forcing materials under a first specific gravityover said outlet end in accordance with the inclination of the bottom ofsaid tank and the pressure of said stream of liquid, while materials ofpredetermined greater specific gravity are impeded by the inclinedbottom of said tank and tend to move toward the inlet end thereof, theapparatus being further provided with an additional tank of asubstantially similar nature having its inlet end positioned forreceiving materials forced over the outlet end of said first tank foradditionally conveying and processing same, and including upwardlyinclined conveyor means between the outlet end of the first mentionedtank and the inlet end of said additional tank.